Solicitors and barristers are being asked to provide free legal advice to participants in The London 2012 Olympic Games, as a new pro bono service was unveiled today.

The Law Society, the Bar Council and the British Association for Sport and Law have launched The London 2012 Pro Bono Legal Advice and Representation Service, which will provide advice to accredited athletes, coaches, team officials, National Olympic Committees, National Paralympic Committees and International Federations participating in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It has been formed at the request of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, and will be open from 9 July to 12 September 2012.

Independent dispute service Sport Resolutions will handle applications to take part in the service, which must be submitted by 15 May this year.

Bar Council chairman Peter Lodder QC said: ‘We are delighted to be able to support this important service and to make a substantial contribution to this landmark event for London and the whole of the UK.

'Comprising a specialist sports advocacy section to represent athletes before the Court of Arbitration for sport, and a general section to provide assistance in wider legal areas, the service will showcase the high-quality range of services which the UK legal profession as a whole can offer.’